Now Playing

Lewisham A&E Downgraded

26 January 2013, 11:06

The A&E department and maternity services at Lewisham Hospital will be downgraded just days after more than 25,000 people protested against the plans.

The changes are part of a wider shake-up of services in the capital after the financial collapse of a neighbouring NHS trust.Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt told MPs the changes would improve patient care in south London, saving up to 100 lives a year.

Lewisham Hospital has been hit by the knock-on effects of the financial difficulties of neighbouring South London Healthcare NHS Trust, which Mr Hunt said would now be dissolved.

Mr Hunt rejected proposals to close the A&E unit at Lewisham, but shadow health secretary Andy Burnham said the decision to downgrade its services set a "dangerous precedent" for other hospitals.